Numbers 24:3

Translations

Modern

…and he lifted up an oracle, saying: “This is the prophecy of Balaam son of Beor, the prophecy of a man whose eyes are open,

Traditional

And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said:

Literal

And he lifted up his oracle and said: “An utterance of Balaam son of Beor, and a declaration of the man whose eyes are opened.

Latin

…assumpta parabola, ait: Dixit Balaam filius Beor: dixit homo, cujus obturatus est oculus:

Original

Hebrew

English

…and he lifted up an oracle, saying: “This is the prophecy of Balaam son of Beor, the prophecy of a man whose eyes are open,

Notes

Numbers 24:3–9

The third message describes God's plan to bless Israel again.

Numbers 23:27–24:14

Unhappy with Balaam's blessing, Balak hoped a new location would change the outcome. Although the exact location of Mount Peor is unknown, it was probably near a worship site for Baal of Peor and the Beth-peor (compare 25:3, 5). See Deuteronomy 3:29; 34:6 for where they buried Moses.

Numbers 22:2–24:25

The story of Balak and Balaam marks an important turning point in Israel’s history. It includes humor, drama, and deep teaching about God.

The story makes one main point clear. The Lord’s will must be carried out. No one could stop his plan for Israel.

Theme notes and profiles

Balaam Moab and Ammon Spirit Empowerment The Priestly Blessing

Related verses

Numbers 23:7
And Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying: “Balak brought me from Aram, the king of Moab from the mountains of the east. ‘Come,’ he said, ‘put a curse on Jacob for me; come and denounce Israel!’
Numbers 24:16
…the prophecy of one who hears the words of God, who has knowledge from the Most High, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who bows down with eyes wide open:
Numbers 24:4
…the prophecy of one who hears the words of God, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who bows down with eyes wide open:
Numbers 23:18
Then Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying: “Arise, O Balak, and listen; give ear to me, O son of Zippor.
Numbers 22:31
Then the LORD opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the road with a drawn sword in his hand. And Balaam bowed low and fell facedown.

People

Balaam: A prophet hired to curse Israel but blessed them instead Beor: Father of Balaam

Glossary

Ammon, Ammonites Balaam Balak Curse, Cursed Deuteronomy, Book of Jannes and Jambres Moab, Moabites Moses Numbers, Book of Oracle Poetry, Biblical Shittim (Place)

Topics

Balaam: A Prophet Prophecy: Gift of, Sometimes Possessed by Unconverted Men Prophets: Inspiration of

Numbers 24:3

Translations?

Original?

Notes?

Related verses?